CHARLESTON – The estate of a Putnam County woman has filed a lawsuit against a garbage service and one of its drivers following a fatal accident on U.S. 60 earlier this year.
Tammy St. Clair, administratrix of the estate of Leanne Brooke James, filed her complaint June 23 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Republic Services Inc., American Disposal Services of West Virginia Inc. doing business as Republic Services of West Virginia, Allied Waste Services of North America doing business as Republic Services of West Virginia and driver Brandon O. Stacy.
St. Clair is James’ sister. James also has a daughter.
According to the complaint, James was driving eastbound on U.S. 60 in Culloden in Cabell County early on February 25, 2022, when a Republic Services garbage truck driven by Stacy crossed the center line and crashed head-on into James’ vehicle, a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country.
“According to witnesses, the (Republic Services) garbage truck was out of control and in the wrong lane and struck (James’) vehicle at a high rate of speed head-on,” the complaint states. “After impact, Leanne’s vehicle was ‘thrown into a ditch.’ The witness stated at the scene that ‘he had to swerve to avoid also being struck by the garbage truck and that it missed him by feet.’”
After the collision, the garbage truck continued about 245 feet until it crashed into a hillside and came to a stop.
The complaint accuses all defendants of wrongful death and negligence. It says James suffered significant physical and mental pain and suffering following the collision before her death.
St. Clair says she and James’ other beneficiaries have suffered mental anguish, sorrow and solace as well as funeral and other expenses.
She seeks compensatory and punitive damages as well as court costs.
St. Clair is being represented by Damon Ellis, Bernie Layne and Jon Mani of Mani, Ellis & Layne in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 22-C-505